East Haven Officer to Be Sentenced in Police Bias Case

One of four East Haven officers charged in a federal investigation alleging police bias and abuse against Hispanics will be sentenced on Tuesday.

Jason Zullo is scheduled to be sentenced to one to two years in prison on Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Hartford. He pleaded guilty in October to obstruction of justice, acknowledging he falsified a police report about a motorcycle chase in October 2008.

Prosecutors said Zullo failed to mention in his report that he struck the motorcycle with his cruiser three times during the chase and caused it to crash, injuring the rider and a passenger.

Zullo's lawyer said Zullo has not admitted to any bias against Hispanics and notes the motorcycle rider was white.

"Mr. Zullo is the father of two very young children.  Although I think we could have beaten this case and wish that he had tried it, his view is that if he's got to do a little bit of time, given the children's age, he's home before they've missed him," said Norm Pattis, Zullo's attorney, previously said.

Another officer has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing. The remaining two officers await trial.